Surabhi's Unforgettable Family Expedition to Spiti with Thrillophilia
Family trips have a way of bringing people closer, but for Surabhi, this one was extra special. It wasn’t just a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Spiti, it was a journey into her father’s cherished memories and a chance to create new ones together.
Her father had always been the storyteller of the family, weaving tales of his college days with his best friend. Among all the stories, his bike trip to Spiti stood out— a place he described as “a wonderland of rugged beauty and peace.”
Inspired by his nostalgia, Surabhi and her family decided to give him a surprise trip to Spiti, this time with the comfort of a well-planned itinerary from Thrillophilia.
A Journey Through the Hills
The trip began with a detour to Himachal’s hidden gems. The family first stopped at Narkanda, where sprawling apple orchards greeted them. The sight of the trees, heavy with fruits, tempted everyone. The family particularly chose monsoons for this trip to see Narkanda’s apple and cherry farms in full bloom and it was a sweet success.
Curious about the farm, the family asked various questions about it to a local. By the end, he was kind enough to offer each one of them freshly plucked apples, a gesture that added sweetness to their day.
Driving through the lush valleys, they reached Kinnaur. The roads, flanked by the Sutlej and Baspa rivers, offered a picturesque drive. A stop for steaming bowls of Maggi at a roadside dhaba became a delightful moment, especially as they laughed at the odd mix of flavours the vendor had experimented with.
Discovering the Last Village
Chitkul, the last inhabited village of India, was the next highlight. Nestled amidst towering peaks, the village had a charm of its own. That evening, as the family gathered around a bonfire, Surabhi’s father became the center of attention. His animated storytelling, along with exaggerated gestures and hearty laughter, drew a small crowd of fellow travelers.
The next day, the family made their way to Nako, where they explored the serene Nako Lake and its ancient monastery. The tranquil ambiance of the lake and the spiritual vibes of the monastery made it a calming experience for everyone.
Entering the Majestic Spiti
Entering into Spiti was like stepping into another world. The rugged terrain, dotted with monasteries and quaint villages, welcomed Surabhi’s family with open arms.
The first stop was the iconic “I Love Spiti” sign, where her father’s excitement was palpable. He joked about how such signs didn’t exist during his younger days and insisted they take a family photo there.
The journey continued to the Key Gompa Monastery, perched high on a hill. The family marveled at the intricate architecture and the peaceful chants that filled the air. Surabhi’s father shared stories about how he and his best friend had once visited a similar monastery, sparking nostalgic laughter.
Next, they visited Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office. The family decided to send postcards, a unique way to share their adventure with loved ones. As her father wrote his postcard, he reminisced about sending a letter from the same spot decades ago.
The breathtaking landscapes and quiet charm of Spiti brought the family closer. For Surabhi, seeing her father relive his memories while creating new ones with them was the highlight. Spiti wasn’t just a destination, it was a bridge between the past and present, connecting generations.
Lakeside Magic at Chandratal
Chandratal Lake was a vision straight out of a dream. Its mirror-like surface reflected the surrounding peaks, creating a surreal panorama. Surabhi and her brother decided to recreate an old photo of their father and his friend, sitting on the rocks by the lake. The laughter and teasing that followed turned into one of the most cherished moments of the trip.
Camping near Chandratal was another highlight for them. While the rest of the family retired early, Surabhi stayed up, braving the cold to stargaze. The sky, unpolluted and vast, sparkled with countless stars. She felt a profound connection to the universe, a moment she described as “pure magic.”
A Token of Memories
The journey ended in Manali, where the family decided to make their last night extra special. They played charades, sang old songs, and enjoyed a feast of local delicacies. The evening was filled with laughter, warmth, and a sense of togetherness that made the trip unforgettable.
Back home, weeks after the trip, Surabhi found her father carefully preserving a pressed flower he had picked from Spiti in an old diary. It was a small yet touching reminder of their adventure. Inspired by his gesture, she decided to pen down their experience, hoping to inspire others to embark on similar journeys.
Surabhi’s family trip to Spiti wasn’t just about exploring a beautiful destination, it was about revisiting old memories, creating new ones, and celebrating the bonds that hold a family together. And with Thrillophilia’s seamless planning, every moment became a story worth telling.
In Surabhi’s words, “The entire experience in Spiti was lovely. Even though we knew we were travelling during the rainy season and could get stuck due to landslides (which we did), the Thrillophila team was very quick in guiding and replanning our stays. I will definitely plan another trip with you guys.”
Read More: Thrillophilia Spiti Reviews